Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities

In late summer 2009, 137,000 Illinois college students learned a crucial part of their financial aid package – the Illinois Monetary Program (MAP) grant – was cut in half by state leaders.

But, hope wasn’t lost yet. The Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities – representing more than 60 private schools – hired us to lead an outreach campaign targeted at legislators.

We had five weeks to convince state legislators to fund second-semester MAP grants. And, using key messages, grassroots support and media outreach, we did it. In fact, we garnered a front page Sunday feature in the Chicago Tribune days before the Legislature’s vote.

In the end, legislators heeded the pressure from students, school officials and the media and decided, with the governor, to fund $205 million in grants.

Press Clips:

Chicago Tribune – “Shortchanging students”
WLS-TV (ABC) Chicago – “Aid restored to low-income college students”
WHOI-TV (NBC) Peoria – “Rally for dollars at state capitol”
The Southern Illinoisan – “Governor Quinn hosts MAP grant funding rally”